Study plan

Students follow the study pattern of the core units of study and electives as required. You may undertake the course on a full time or part time basis. You will complete a total of 48 credit points of study. Your combination of units will depend on whether you come from a science background or law background.

If you have a LAW BACKGROUND, you will complete a total of 48 credit points (cp) comprising: a 6cp Law core unit of study, a 6cp capstone unit of study, 18cp of electives from Law units of study, and 18 cp of electives from Science units of study.

If you have a SCIENCE BACKGROUND, you will complete a total of 48 credit points (cp) comprising: 12cp of core units of study, a 6cp capstone unit of study, 12cp of electives from Law units of study, and 18cp of electives from Science units of study.

Subject to the availability of suitable projects and supervisors, candidates with a distinction average in 24 credit points may be admitted to the research pathway. For more information, contact the course coordinator. Full time study can be completed over the course of 2 semesters. Your individual study plan will of course depend on the availability of units in a given semester.

Progression rules

Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first four units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the research project units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.

Capstone experience

A capstone experience comprises one or more units of study designed to provide an opportunity to draw together the learning that has taken place during the course, synthesise this with prior learning and experience, and draw conclusions that will form the basis for further investigation, and intellectual and/or professional growth.

An elective research pathway capstone experience in the award comprises ENVI5501 (12 credit points). Candidates complete a research project on a topic in environmental science which may include a field or laboratory component, or may be entirely literature-based. The project enables candidates to develop skills in cross-disciplinary thinking and project management.

An elective coursework pathway capstone experience in the award comprises MARS5005 (12 credit points), allowing candidates to design and undertake an original project in coastal management or RESP5001 (6 credit points) providing research methodology training.

Graduate opportunities

Master of Environmental Science and Law graduates are qualified for employment in the area of environmental management and/or policy development, or in private consultancies. A person with a science background who achieves this qualification is not qualified to be a practising lawyer, but does have the knowledge and capabilities for jobs where the development of policy and management schedules are required. Likewise, a person with a background in law will not get work as a technical scientist but can work in jobs where the use and analysis of scientific data is required.

Further study

Many of our graduates have successfully pursued further study in a range of internationally recognised academic programs. If you would like to be part of Sydney's research community, you may wish to consider applying for admission to a higher degree by research through a Master of Science by research or a PhD. Students completing a research degree can undertake supervised research in specialised area of environmental science and/or law (subject to the availability of a supervisor and suitable project) and submit a written thesis at the completion of their studies.

To search for potential research opportunities, use Research Supervisor Connect: http://sydney.edu.au/research/opportunities/

Admission requirements

Admission to the degree requires a Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Laws with a credit average from the University of Sydney, or equivalent qualification.

Domestic students

How to apply

Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.

International students

How to apply

Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University by using the online application form, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent). Apply online by clicking 'Apply Now' on the right hand side of this page. Keep in mind that you may need to supply supporting documentation and this will be outlined in the online application form. You may need to scan, upload and attach supporting documentation to your application. You can also save your application and finish completing it at a later date. Applications are made directly to the University and assessed by the Faculty of Science.

Domestic students

Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount

This student contribution amount for a Commonwealth Supported Place is an indication only of the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). The exact student contribution that you pay will depend on the specific units of study in which you ultimately enrol. If you are a Commonwealth supported student and was enrolled in a University course before 1 January 2012 your student contribution may differ.

Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount

Importantly, student contribution amounts are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study (subject to a Commonwealth specified cap), effective at the start of each calendar year.

Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee

This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.

The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents

Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.

International students

International tuition fees for postgraduate students

This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.

Annual review

Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.

Additional incidental fees and health insurance

For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.

In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.

Potential for inaccuracy

Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.